Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had
reported it to be worth $17 million.

Martin spent the past two years with the New York Yankees, who, along with
Texas and Seattle, were believed to be among his suitors. He hit a career-low
.211 in 133 games last season, but belted a career-high 21 homers and drove in
53 runs.

The 29-year-old veteran, who played the first five years of his career with
the Los Angeles Dodgers, is considered a top defensive catcher. He threw out
24 percent of potential base stealers last season and can handle a pitching
staff.

"With the signing of Russell Martin, we have acquired a quality defensive
catcher who is a disciplined hitter that adds power to our lineup," said
Pirates general manager Neal Huntington in a statement Friday. "He also brings
experience, leadership and a strong desire to compete and win to our
organization."

Martin is a career .260 hitter with 93 homers and 418 runs batted in. He was
an All-Star in 2007 and 2008 with Los Angeles, then again in 2011 with the
Yankees.